Spain's Century Catastrophe: Flash Floods Ravage Valencia

In Spain's worst natural disaster this century, monstrous flash floods in Valencia claimed at least 95 lives, left countless missing, and devastated entire villages. Over a thousand emergency personnel are involved in rescue and recovery efforts, while questions arise about the adequacy of flood warnings.

Spain has been struck by its worst natural disaster in a century, with monstrous flash floods claiming at least 95 lives as of Thursday in the region of Valencia. Villages were wiped out, and search operations are still ongoing for missing individuals in the aftermath of the deluge.

The devastation bore a stark resemblance to the aftermath of a powerful hurricane or tsunami, with streets in towns like Barrio de la Torre awash in wrecked vehicles and debris amidst a thick layer of mud. The torrent turned narrow roads into traps, sweeping away both vehicles and people.

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez is visiting the hardest-hit areas, as the nation grieves during three days of official mourning. Criticism is mounting over delays in flood warnings, adding to the trauma of those affected by Spain's deadliest flash flood event, attributed to climate change impacts.

(With inputs from agencies.)